Bach, Jackyl, Winger to rock Halfway Jam

Eleven years later, Halfway Jam near Royalton still draws thousands to the Henrys' land.

Kip Winger and Reb Beach of the rock band Winger perform April 25 during the M3 Rock Fest at Merriweather Post Pavilion in Columbia, Md.(Photo: Owen Sweeney/Invision/AP)

Story Highlights

'80 rock/metal rules at the three-day festival near Royalton

This year's scheduled lineup includes Jackyl, Sebastian Bach, Winger and more

On any given night of the festival, about 6,000 to 7,500 can be found rocking out

ROYALTON – Summertime in Minnesota is packed with musical events, from all the area festivals to the Minnesota State Fair's lineup to big-time concert events such as Moondance Jam and WE Fest.

Despite the packed field, Halfway Jam near Royalton has lasted more than a decade, with this week marking its 11th festival. The weekend-long concert including camping on land owned by the Henry family has featured some big names in rock/metal over the years, including Ted Nugent, the Guess Who, Quiet Riot, Cinderella, Ratt, Everclear, Jackyl and more.

This year's lineup again includes Jackyl, as well as Sebastian Bach, Winger and more.

The producers have tried different styles, including more classic rock, over the years, "But it's been clear that our sort of core audience really loves the '80s rock," said Jeff Velline of Rockhouse Productions, which produces Halfway Jam.

And Halfway Jam draws a big audience. On any given night of the festival, about 6,000 to 7,500 can be found rocking out, he said.

Sandy Henry, who, with her husband, Bill, owns the land and co-manages the festival, credits the "dedicated, devoted fans" for its endurance. She said she likes that Halfway Jam draws a lot of people but still has a smaller feel.

"We wanted to be where it was successful but not ginormous," she said.

The intimacy of the outside area helps the attendees connect, too. "If you don't know them, you know them by the end of the weekend," Henry said.

The Henrys have listed 38 acres, including the home of Halfway Jam, for sale. The land can be purchased with or without the festival.

And even though the music is wild, Halfway Jam is safe and inviting, Velline said. With the campgrounds, some people will come for almost a full week or a family vacation, he said.

Velline says he's been blown away by all the bands over the years, pointing to Tesla and Jackyl as examples of some memorable performances.

"The guys who have slugged it out this many years have really figured out how to do it," he said.

(Photo: Owen Sweeney/Invision/AP)

When reached on the road by phone last week, Jackyl frontman Jesse James Dupree acted surprised to hear questions about Halfway Jam. He insisted, tongue in cheek, after the band's multiple performances there, he was pretty sure its name was "Jackyl Stock."

"That baffles me that they went back to using the old name," he said. "I'll make sure to correct that a week from this Saturday." (For the record, the Halfway Jam Facebook page did say Jackyl Stock was back when announcing the band's return this year.)

It's an honor to come back to their "namesake" festival, Dupree said. "It's like going to your momma's house for Sunday dinner."

(Photo: AP)

Dupree will be multitasking at the show, promoting and signing liquor bottles from his Jesse James Spirits line, including Original Jesse James America's Outlaw Bourbon Whiskey.

He's an entrepreneur and promoter, but Dupree also is known for Jackyl's Guinness Book of World Records citations and the designation of "The Hardest Working Band in Rock 'N' Roll" for performing 100 shows in 50 days, according to Jackyl's website. The band has been working solid since around April.

"We have toured quite a bit over the last 20 years with no sign of letting up," Dupree said.

And of course, there are the chain saws — Dupree is well known for using them during shows and performs a solo with one during the song "The Lumberjack." When asked if he still uses them in the show, he replied, "You ask Kiss if they still wear makeup." (The answer: He had three with him.)

Dupree says Jackyl members will put on a memorable show.

"We expect it will be one hell of a throwdown," he said.

If you go ...

What: Halfway Jam.

When: Thursday through Saturday.

Where: 16004 U.S. Highway 10 NW.

Cost: Both general admission and VIP passes are available, for specific days and for the whole festival. They range from $49 for one-day general admission (not including sales tax) to $429 (not including sales tax) for a three-day VIP pass. VIP passes include spots near the front of the stage, meals and free beer, among other things.

Lineup: More than 20 bands are scheduled to play over the course of the three days. Winger closes Thursday night, Sebastian Bach closes Friday night and Jackyl closes Saturday night. For full schedule, visit www.halfwayjam.com. The website includes information about camping, rules and regulations, etc.

More information: www.halfwayjam.com, www.facebook.com/halfwayjam or call 800-425-3526. If you are tweeting about Halfway Jam, please use hashtag: #halfwayjam